How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Insect Control
If you’re looking for organic ways to get rid of pests, diatomaceous earth must be at the top of your list. But you must know how to use diatomaceous earth to control insects naturally.
One of the many benefits is that diatomaceous Earth (DE) is able to combat insects as diverse as caterpillars, earwigs, insects, and aphids and also keep snails and slugs away from the garden beds.
If you’re looking to reap the maximum benefits from DE, learn more about it and discover the best ways to use diatomaceous earth for gardening. We will provide easy-to-use tips for herbs, vegetable ornamentals, houseplants, and ornamentals.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
The deterrent to pests is composed of fossilized marine organisms and is, therefore, a completely natural pesticide approved for organic gardening. Additionally, it could decrease the requirement for chemical pesticides. If you take a look inside a bag of diatomaceous earth, you will see a fine white powder that is very similar to Talcum.
DE can be used in a variety of ways nowadays. You can actually see it in cosmetics, toothpaste and even in a few foods and drinks. However, one of the primary uses of diatomaceous earth is in garden pest control.
3 Ways to Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Natural Insecticide
Diatomaceous Earth can be used as an organic insecticide. The fossilized skeletons are composed of silica, which is a naturally occurring mineral with small sharp edges. The edges can be found in soft-bodied insects as well as insects with exoskeletons, and kill them. Three ways to utilize DE both inside and outside their home:
- For home insect management: DE can be helpful in eradicating and controlling pests in the home, like cockroaches as well as bed bugs, and other invasive insects.
- To fight off garden pests: You could utilize diatomaceous around plants in which you’ve noticed signs of infestations. Soft-bodied insects such as slugs and snails do not like crossing the barrier. DE can also kill insects such as silverfish, earwigs, and centipedes, along with other creeping bugs that could cause harm to your flowers and plants.
DE is also able to eliminate smaller pests, such as Aphids. It is, however, not recommended to apply DE in large quantities in the garden because it could be a killer of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.
- To prevent ticks and fleas: If you own pets, then you can apply DE powder to carpets and pet beds to remove the ticks and fleas. Make sure you vacuum the powder prior to allowing your pet to play with the items affected.
The Best Way to Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is applied manually. However, it is more precise using a DE applicator. Most of the time, DE is applied as a dry powder. However, you can blend it into the water before applying it using the help of a sprayer on difficult-to-reach areas such as the undersides of leafy plants.
DE works best when dry and wet applications begin to work against pests once the excess moisture has evaporated.
- Create an elongated ring made of DE around the plants. Spread DE in a continuous ring around the plants or lightly spray or sprinkle leaves of plants with moist or dry sprays during dry weather, with only a little breeze.
- Spread thin layers. For the best results, spread DE on light layers around plants, and then dust lightly leaves to allow them to absorb sunlight. Apply DE directly on areas where you are aware that pests are active and are likely to walk through dust. DE dust.
- Apply the cream after rainfall or watering. Since heavy rains can wipe DE off, it is recommended to apply following rainy weather. Apply DE multiple times throughout the year to ward off pests.
It is important to note that DE can be used against a wide spectrum of larval and adult insects but isn’t efficient against insects’ eggs. Repeating the application of DE will ensure that you are treating the current and the next generation of insects.
Safety Concerns
Diatomaceous earth is typically found in two forms: food grade and pool grade. Make sure you purchase the food-grade version because the one that is pool-grade contains crystallized silica, which poses a risk to respiratory health for animals and humans. D.E. is a powder. Therefore, the inhalation of small particles is the main concern.
When you garden, put on goggles, a mask and gloves while you are working. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly after using them.
Diatomaceous poses a risk for honeybees. Apply it to plants in the evening when the activity of honeybees decreases. Avoid the flowering plants.
FAQs
What is the most effective method to use diatomaceous earth?
The best method of applying diatomaceous earth is to gently dust it with a fine layer directly on the areas that are prone to pests with a specially designed applicator or duster. Ensure that it’s applied under dry conditions.
You can apply it again after heavy or heavy rainfall. For indoor use, pay attention to areas like cracks in the baseboard, foundations and entry points. Always use diatomaceous earth that is food grade and avoid direct contact with food items.
Do diatomaceous earths destroy all insects?
Diatomaceous Earth, which is food grade (DE), is able to kill insects. It is abrasive to their exoskeletons. In the event that insects come into contact with diatomaceous Earth, the tiny particles cause abrasions, which result in dehydration and death.
You can apply diatomaceous Earth
Typically, DE is applied as a dry powder. However, you can combine it in water before applying it using a sprayer on places that are difficult to reach, such as the leaf’s undersides.
How can you apply diatomaceous Earth to plants?
To apply diatomaceous Earth to plants, gently sprinkle a fine layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around the plant’s root directly on the soil’s surface, creating an area of protection. Then, sprinkle the foliage lightly covering areas that are prone to pests and reapply following the rain or when required; always use the finest powder, and make certain to select diatomaceous soil that is food-grade to ensure the safety of your plant.
